Ski or snowboard teaching apparatus

ABSTRACT

In one example, an apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard includes a removably attachable instructor component and a removably attachable student component. The instructor component has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole. The first end is configured to be removably secured to the bottom end of the instructor&#39;s ski pole. The second end is disposed opposite the first end. The student component is configured to be removably secured to a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment and is also configured to be removably secured to the second end of the instructor component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/768,996, filed Jun. 10, 2010. The present application also claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/377,775, filed Aug. 27, 2010. The foregoing applications are fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to ski and/or snowboard instruction. More particularly, some example embodiments relate to an apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard.

2. Related Technology

Teaching a beginner skier or snowboarder (generically referred to herein as a “beginner” or “beginners”) to ski or snowboard can be difficult and/or uncomfortable for ski or snowboard instructors (generically referred to herein as an “instructor” or “instructors”). Generally, beginners, whether skiers or snowboarders, lack the knowledge, balance and/or coordination necessary to ski or snowboard using correct form. Due to their lack of knowledge, balance and/or coordination, many beginners may, on occasion, accelerate out of control and become a danger to themselves and those around them. Additionally, many beginners are young children that are physically small in stature.

Various techniques are currently used by instructors to teach a beginner to ski or snowboard. For instance, instructors often ski/snowboard backwards immediately in front of a beginner or frontwards and immediately behind the beginner. The proximity of the instructor relative to the beginner permits the instructor to physically hold the beginner up in an attempt to show the beginner correct form and/or to brake the beginner in the event the beginner accelerates out of control. However, backward skiing/snowboarding by the instructor can be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the instructor. Or, when the instructor is skiing/snowboarding frontwards and immediately behind the beginner, there is a danger that the beginner may accelerate beyond the reach of the instructor such that the instructor is unable to brake the beginner.

Moreover, to the extent the beginner is a young child or otherwise small in physical stature compared to the instructor, the instructor may have to bend over or crouch down for extended periods of time to hold up and direct the beginner using either of the backward or frontward techniques where the instructor is immediately in front of or behind the beginner. Crouching down for any amount of time while instructing can be uncomfortable for the instructor.

Another technique used by instructors is to attach a tether to the beginner, e.g., via a harness worn by the beginner, and ski/snowboard behind the beginner with the tether in hand. The tether permits the instructor to brake the beginner from behind if the beginner accelerates out of control, but may throw the beginner off balance. Further, insofar as the tether pulls the beginner's weight backwards to stop or slow down the beginner such that the beginner rocks back on his/her heels, the beginner is learning improper form for stopping or controlling their speed if the beginner is using skis.

Yet another technique used by instructors is to walk or ski/snowboard along the side of a beginner and attempt to physically hold up the beginner to teach the beginner the balance needed to control the skis or snowboard. This scenario often results in the beginner and sometimes both the beginner and the instructor falling many times until the balance is learned. This technique can be difficult since the instructor must run or ski/snowboard after the beginner to catch up when the beginner starts moving on their own. This and the other techniques of instruction described above are flawed in that the instructor is typically attempting to control the beginner's skis/snowboard by holding on to the beginner's body, either directly or via a tether.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In general, example embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard.

In one example embodiment, an apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard includes a removably attachable instructor component and a removably attachable student component. The instructor component has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole. The first end is configured to be removably secured to the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole. The second end is disposed opposite the first end. The student component is configured to be removably secured to a student's ski or snowboard equipment and is also configured to be removably secured to the second end of the instructor component.

In another example embodiment, an instructor component for use by an instructor in teaching a student how to ski or snowboard includes a first end, a second end, and a clamping arrangement. The first end defines a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole. The second end is disposed opposite the first end and is configured to removably secure the instructor component to a student's ski or snowboard equipment. The clamping arrangement is configured to removably secure the instructor component to the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole.

In yet another example embodiment, a student component for use by a student in learning how to ski or snowboard includes a clamping arrangement and a tab attached to the clamping arrangement. The clamping arrangement is configured to removably secure the student component to a student's ski or snowboard equipment. The tab is configured to removably secure the student component to a corresponding instructor component. The instructor component is configured to be removably secured to a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole.

These and other aspects of example embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example apparatus including an instructor component and a student component for teaching a student how to ski;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the instructor component of FIG. 1A attached to an instructor's ski pole;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the student component of FIG. 1A attached to a student's ski binding assembly;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example usage scenario for the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example apparatus including another instructor component and student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments in an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of yet another student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments in an apparatus with an instructor component for teaching a student how to snowboard;

FIG. 5B is a side view illustrating an example usage scenario for the student component of FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of yet another student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments in an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski;

FIGS. 7A-7C are a front perspective view, rear perspective view, and cross-sectional view of yet another instructor component according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-8D are an exploded front perspective view, a front elevation view, a rear perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of yet another student component according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a ski and snowboard, respectively, with a hole formed in an end thereof for being temporarily engaged by an instructor component such as the instructor components of FIGS. 1A and 3;

FIGS. 9C and 9D are perspective views of another ski and snowboard, respectively, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 includes both an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of yet another student component according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 11 includes both an exploded view and a perspective view of yet another instructor component according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of some example embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

I. First Example Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1A, a first example apparatus 100 for teaching a student to snow ski is disclosed. The apparatus 100 includes an instructor component 102 and a student component 104. In general, the instructor component 102 is configured to be removably attached to a piece of instructor equipment, such as a ski pole, trekking pole, or other pole used by the instructor, and the student component 104 is configured to be removably attached to a piece of student equipment, such as one of the student's skis, a portion of a ski binding assembly, a binding plate, a boot, or the like.

As will be more fully explained below, after the instructor component 102 and student component 104 have been attached to the instructor equipment and student equipment, respectively, the instructor temporarily secures the instructor component 102 to the student component 104 to thereby control the student's ski and teach the student proper form for skiing. By using two apparatuses 100, the instructor can independently control both of the student's skis using two ski poles. As used herein, the term “instructor” refers to any person using instructor equipment with an attached instructor component 102, while the term “student” refers to any person using student equipment with an attached student component 104.

A. Instructor Component

The instructor component 102 has a first end 106 and a second end 108. With additional reference to FIG. 1B, the first end 106 defines a cavity 110 configured to receive a portion of a pole 112. Additionally, the first end 106 is configured to be removably secured to the pole 112 as explained in greater detail below. Although not required, in some embodiments, the pole 112 is one of the instructor's ski poles and the cavity 110 receives at least a lower portion 114 of the pole 112 disposed beneath basket 116. It is appreciated, however, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that the pole may instead be a trekking pole or other pole with a lower end sized to be received within the cavity 110.

As best seen in FIG. 1B, the cavity 110 is substantially cylindrical in some embodiments and has a longitudinal axis 118. In other embodiments, the cavity 110 is substantially conical or frustoconical. When the cavity 110 is substantially cylindrical, conical, or frustoconical, a cross-section of the cavity 110 taken normal to the longitudinal axis 118 is substantially circular. Alternately, the cavity 110 is an n-sided prism, pyramid, or other shape such that a cross-section of the cavity 110 taken normal to the longitudinal axis 118 is an n-sided polygon. More generally, the cavity 110 can be any shape configured to receive the lower end 114 of the pole 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 106 further includes two tapped holes 120 formed in a sleeve 122 making up the first end 106. Corresponding thumbscrews 124 are disposed within tapped holes 120 at least partially within the sleeve 122 for removably clamping the instructor component 102 to the pole 112. The tapped holes 120 extend radially through opposing sides of the sleeve 122 towards the longitudinal axis 118 such that the thumbscrews 124 are generally disposed radially relative to the longitudinal axis 118. As such, rotation of the thumbscrews 124 within tapped holes 120 translates to radial movement of the thumbscrews 124. Specifically, the thumbscrews 124 can be screwed in (e.g., radially inwards) to removably secure the instructor component 102 to the pole 112 by clamping the lower end 114 of the pole 112 between opposing thumbscrews 124, and out (e.g., radially outwards) to release the instructor component 102 from the pole 112 by unclamping the lower end 114 of the pole 122 between opposing thumbscrews 124.

As described hereinabove, the thumbscrews 124 together with the sleeve 122 form a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the instructor component 102 to the bottom end 114 of the pole 112. In particular, by positioning the bottom end 114 of the pole 112 within the cavity 110 defined by the sleeve 122, the thumbscrews 124 can be screwed inwards to clamp the pole 112 between the thumbscrews 124, thereby removably attaching the instructor component 102 to the pole 112. Various other example clamping arrangements are described below.

The thumbscrews 124 are one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 to the pole 112. Other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 to the pole 112 include as few as one thumbscrew or three or more thumbscrews disposed at least partially within sleeve 122. Still other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 to the pole 112 include one or more screws, bolts, clamps, clips, tape, carabiners, rings, pins, or other fasteners, or any combination thereof.

The second end 108 of the instructor component 102 is disposed opposite the first end 106 and is generally configured to removably attach the instructor component to the student's ski equipment, including a student component 104 or other ski equipment. As best seen in FIG. 1A, the second end 108 includes a hook 126. The hook 126 is generally configured to removably secure the instructor component 102 to the student component 104, as explained more fully below with respect to the student component 104. Thus, the hook 126 is one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 to the student component 104. Other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 to the student component 104 include a hook, hole, ball or socket formed in the second end 108 of the instructor component 102 for engaging a corresponding hole, hook, socket or ball formed in the student component 104. Still other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 to the student component 104 include a suction cup, hook or loop (AKA Velcro) material, strap(s), or buckle(s) attached to or included in the second end 108 of the instructor component 102 for engaging a corresponding surface, loop or hook material, strap(s), or buckle(s) attached to or included in the student component 104.

B. Student Component

In general, the student component 104 is configured to be removably attached to a student's ski equipment and to be removably attached to the second end 108 of the instructor component 102. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, the student component 104 includes a substantially u-shaped first end 128 and a second end 130 disposed opposite the first end 128. In some embodiments, the second end 130 is a tongue or tab attached to and extending from a base of the u-shaped first end 128. The second end 130 may be integrally formed with the first end 128 are separately formed from the first end 128.

With additional reference to FIG. 1C, the first end 128 is configured to receive and attach to a portion of a student's ski binding assembly 132. The ski binding assembly 132 includes a heel unit 134, a toe unit (not shown) and a binding plate/spacer 136 attached to the student's ski 138.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the first end 128 of student component 104 straddles the binding plate/spacer 136 such that a portion of the binding plate/spacer 136 is received between the u-shaped first end 128. After receiving the binding plate/spacer 136 between u-shaped first end 128, the student component 104 can be removably attached to the binding plate/spacer 136 as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the first end 128 of student component 104 is removably attached to the heel unit 134 or other portion of the ski binding assembly 132, or directly to the ski 138. Thus, the u-shaped first end 128 is one example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching the student component 104 to a portion of a student's ski equipment.

The heel unit 134 may include, among other things, an upper heel housing 139 with a depression 139A formed near a rearward end thereof. The upper heel housing 139 and depression 139A are discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.

One or both of the heel unit 134 or toe unit (not shown) may be adjustably positioned along the length of the ski 138 to permit adjustment and accommodation of a range of boot sizes. Notwithstanding such lengthwise adjustability, the heel unit 134 and toe unit are semi-permanently attached to the ski 138. That is, the heel unit 134 and/or toe unit are typically not configured to be detached from the ski 138 during normal usage, although under some circumstances, such as binding repair or replacement, the heel unit 134 and/or toe unit may be detached from the ski 138 with the appropriate tools and effort. Moreover, removal and/or attachment of the heel unit 134 and/or toe unit is typically performed by trained individuals with a certain amount of technical expertise to ensure proper removal and installation thereof.

The binding plate/spacer 136 is non-adjustably attached to the ski 138. Typically, the binding plate/spacer 136 is implemented to provide a mounting surface for the heel unit 104 and toe unit (not shown) that spreads stress across a larger area of the ski 138 than if the heel unit 104 and toe unit were mounted directly to the ski 138. Similar to the heel unit 104 and toe unit, the binding plate/spacer is semi-permanently attached to the ski 138.

The ski binding assembly 132 described herein is only one example of a ski binding assembly with which embodiments of the apparatus 100, including instructor component 102 and student component 104, can be implemented. Thus, the example of the ski binding assembly 132 should not be construed to limit the claimed invention.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1C, the u-shaped first end 128 of student component 104 includes two arms 140 connected by a base 142. The arms 140 are disposed substantially parallel to and apart from each other so as to straddle the binding plate/spacer 136 (or heel unit 134). Alternately or additionally, the arms 140 each include an elbow or other feature(s) such that the arms 140 are vertically displaced beneath the base 142 so as to straddle the ski 138; e.g., the base 142 would be disposed on or above the top surface of the ski 138 while a significant portion of each arm 140 is vertically displaced downwards from the base 142, the significant portions of the arms 140 extending alongside opposing sides of the ski 138.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1C, the first end 128 further includes four tapped holes (not shown) formed in the arms 140. Corresponding rearward and forward thumbscrews 144, 146 (collectively “thumbscrews 144, 146”) are at least partially disposed in the arms 140 via the tapped holes. Although not required, in the illustrated embodiment, the thumbscrews 144, 146 are disposed in arms 140 substantially normal to the arms 140. Analogous to the thumbscrews 124 of instructor component 102, the thumbscrews 144, 146 of student component 104 can be rotated within the tapped holes so as to be screwed in or out for temporarily securing the student component 104 to a portion of the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138.

By implementing thumbscrews 144, 146 within corresponding tapped holes such that the thumbscrews 144, 146 can be independently screwed in or out to varying depths, the student component 104 can be removably secured to portions of binding assemblies 132 notwithstanding non-planar surface topologies. For instance, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the binding plate/spacer 136 is narrower towards the rear of the heel unit 134 than towards the front of the heel unit 134. To accommodate this non-planar surface topology of the binding plate/spacer 136, the rearward thumbscrews 144 are screwed in a greater amount than the forward thumbscrews 146 such that the rearward thumbscrews 144 engage the narrower rearward portion of the binding plate/spacer 136 while the forward thumbscrews 146 engage the wider forward portion of the binding plate/spacer 136.

The thumbscrews 144, 146 are one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the student component 104 to a ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138. Other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the student component 104 to a ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 include as few as one, two, or three thumbscrews or five or more thumbscrews disposed at least partially within arms 140. Still other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the student component 104 to a ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 include one or more screws, bolts, clamps, clips, tape, carabiners, rings, pins, or other fasteners, or any combination thereof.

As described hereinabove, the thumbscrews 144, 146 together with the first end 128 of the student component 104 form a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the student component 104 to the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138. In particular, by positioning a portion of the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 between the arms 140 of the first end 128, the thumbscrews 144, 146 can be screwed inwards to clamp the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 between the arms 140 of the first end 128, thereby removably attaching the student component 104 to the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138. Various other example clamping arrangements are described below.

It will be appreciated, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that the configuration of the student component 104 described herein permits the student component 104 to be attached to and removed from the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 without removing any portion of the ski binding assembly 132. Specifically, the student component 104 can be quickly attached to or removed from the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 by screwing the thumbscrews 144, 146 in or out as needed, without ever removing the ski binding assembly 132 from the ski 138. Thus, at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide a quick, easy, and convenient method of temporarily securing the student component 104 to the ski binding assembly 132 or ski 138 which can be performed by a student and/or instructor with little or no technical expertise relating to bindings.

The second end 130 of the student component 104 is disposed opposite the first end 128. The second end 130 is generally configured to removably attach the student component 104 to the instructor component 102. In particular, in the example of FIGS. 1A and 1C, the second end 130 extends from the base 142 of the first end 128. The second end 130 defines a hole 148 formed therein for removably receiving the hook 126 of the instructor component. Accordingly, when the hook 126 is received in the hole 148 with the instructor component 102 attached to the pole 112 and the student component 104 attached to the ski binding assembly 132, the instructor can apply a force and have that force transferred through the pole 112, instructor component 102, student component 104 and ski binding assembly 132 to the student's ski 138 to control the direction and edging of the ski 138.

Thus, the hole 148 is one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the student component 104 to instructor component 102. Other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the student component 104 to the instructor component 102 include a hole, hook, socket or ball formed in the second end 130 of the student component 104 for engaging a corresponding hook, hole, ball, or socket formed in the instructor component 102.

Moreover, the hook 126 formed in the instructor component 102 and the hole 148 formed in the student component 104 are collectively one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 and student component 104 together. Other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component 102 and student component 104 together include a hole formed in the instructor component 102 and a corresponding hook formed in the student component 104, a ball formed in the instructor component 102 and a corresponding socket formed in the student component 104, or a socket formed in the instructor component 102 and a corresponding ball formed in the student component 104.

FIG. 2 discloses an example usage scenario for the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the instructor component 102 is removably secured to a lower end 202 of an instructor's ski pole 204 using one or more thumbscrews 124. The hook 126 of the instructor component 102 is removably received in the hole 148 (FIGS. 1A and 1C) of the student component 104. The student component 104 is removably secured to the binding plate/spacer 206 of a student's ski binding assembly 208 using thumbscrews 144, 146. The ski binding assembly 208 additionally includes a heel unit 209 made up of an upper heel housing 209A and a lower heel housing 209B. The binding plate/spacer 206 and ski binding assembly 208 are mounted to the student's ski 210.

Under the usage scenario of FIG. 2 and under analogous usage scenarios using one or more of the other embodiments described herein, the instructor can easily control the student's direction and edging by applying forces through the ski pole 204, apparatus 100 and binding plate/spacer 206 to the student's ski 210. Thus, the instructor can show the student proper ski techniques for turning, stopping, etc., by applying the appropriate forces. In this manner, the student can feel exactly how the skis 210 should be maneuvered to perform the techniques. Further, the length of the instructor's ski pole 210 permits the instructor to demonstrate the proper techniques to the student without the instructor being forced to crouch over significantly, even when the student is physically small in stature compared to the instructor.

According to some embodiments, the apparatus 100 also permits the student to ski substantially under his/her own control without assistance from the instructor. For instance, the instructor can simply let go of the ski poles 204 while the instructor component 102 is still connected to the student component 104 and allow the ski poles 204 to be dragged behind the student. Leaving the ski poles 204 connected to the student via apparatus 100 permits the instructor to almost immediately resume control at any time by simply picking up the ski poles 204.

Alternately, the instructor can remove the hook 126 of the instructor component 102 from the hole 148 (not shown in FIG. 2) of the student component 104 by sliding the hook 126 out of the hole 148 to completely detach the ski poles 204 from the student and allow the student to ski under his/her own control. Of course, the ability to easily and quickly slide the hook 126 out of the hole 148 also permits the instructor to wait until the instructor and student are on the loading platform of a ski chairlift (or tow rope) before detaching the ski poles 204 from the student. As such, if necessary, the instructor can keep the ski poles 204 connected to the student while navigating through the lift line to push the student through the lift line using the ski poles 204. After getting to the top of the chairlift and dismounting from the chair, the ski poles 204 can easily and quickly be re-attached to the student by inserting the hook 126 of instructor component 102 into the hole 148 of student component 104.

Alternately or additionally, the instructor can use the ski poles 204 connected to the student via apparatus 100 to push the student across flat areas or uphill areas where the student might otherwise have to skate or use the student's own poles to propel him/herself forward. Such a use of the apparatus 100 may be helpful for students, such as young students or other students, that lack the coordination to skate using their skis and/or that are skiing without poles.

II. Alternative Embodiments

The apparatus 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-2 is described by way of example only and not limitation. Numerous variations and modifications of one or both of the instructor component 102 or student component 104 fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

A. First Example

For example, FIG. 3 discloses another embodiment of an apparatus 300 that is similar in some respects to the apparatus 100 disclosed above. The apparatus 300 includes an instructor component 302 and student component 304 that are substantially similar in function to the instructor component 102 and student component 104 of FIGS. 1A-1C. In particular, the instructor component 302 is configured to removably attach to a piece of instructor equipment, e.g., an instructor's ski pole, the student component 304 is configured to removably attach to a piece of student equipment, e.g., the student's ski or ski binding assembly, and the instructor component 302 is further configured to be temporarily secured to the student component 304 to permit the instructor to control the student's skis via the instructor's ski poles and the apparatus 300.

Similar to the instructor component 102, the instructor component 302 of FIG. 3 includes a first end 306 and a second end 308 disposed opposite the first end 306, the second end 308 including a hook 310. In comparison with the instructor component 102, the instructor component 302 includes only a single thumbscrew 312 partially disposed within a sleeve making up the first end 306 for temporarily securing the instructor component 302 to a portion of the instructor's pole. The thumbscrew 312 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing an instructor component 302 to a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole. Further, the thumbscrew 312 together with the sleeve of the first end 306 form a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the instructor component 302 to an instructor's pole.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the hook 310 includes an enlarged portion 314 disposed on the end of a neck 315 which is narrower in diameter than the enlarged portion 314, aspects of which are described in additional detail below. The hook 310 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component 302 to a corresponding student component 304.

Similar to the student component 104, the student component 304 of FIG. 3 includes a substantially u-shaped first end 316 and a second end 318 disposed opposite the first end 316. The u-shaped first end 316 includes two arms 320 connected by a base 322, the arms 320 being disposed substantially parallel to and apart from each other. In comparison with the student component 104, the arms 320 are vertically displaced beneath the base 322 via upper arm portions 320A and elbows 324. Accordingly, the student component 304 can be attached to a student's ski by placing the base 322 on a top surface of the ski with the arms 320 being displaced vertically downwards beneath the base 322 such that the arms 320 straddle the ski and run along its sides. The u-shaped first end 316 of FIG. 3 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component 304 to a portion of a student's ski equipment (e.g., the student's skis).

Additionally, the student component 104 includes only two tapped holes (not labeled) and two corresponding thumbscrews 326 for temporarily securing the student component 304 to the student's ski, as compared to four tapped holes and four corresponding thumbscrews 144, 146 in the student component 104 illustrated in FIG. 1A. The thumbscrews 326 are another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 304 to a portion of a student's ski equipment. Further, the thumbscrews 326 together with the first end 316 of the student component 304 form a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the student component 304 to a student's ski or snowboard equipment.

Moreover, the second end 318 of student component 304 defines a hole 328 having a specialized shape. In particular, the hole 328 includes a hook insertion portion 330 connected to a hook locking portion 332 via a neck portion 334. Generally, the hook insertion portion 330 is sufficiently large to receive the enlarged portion 314 of the hook 310. The hook locking portion 332 and neck portion 334 are sufficiently large to accommodate the neck 315 of the hook 310, but not the enlarged portion 314 of the hook 310. In operation, to connect the instructor component 302 to the student component 304, the enlarged portion 314 of the hook 310 is fully inserted through the hook insertion portion 330 of hole 328. After the enlarged portion 314 has cleared the hook insertion portion 330, the neck 315 of the hook 310 is navigated through the neck portion 334 and into the hook locking portion 332 of the hole 328. Because the enlarged portion 314 is too large to exit through the hook locking portion 332 or neck portion 334, it is unlikely that the instructor component 302 will inadvertently detach from the student component 304 if, for instance, the instructor drops the instructor's ski poles to drag behind the student's skis.

The hole 328 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 304 to a corresponding instructor component 302. Moreover, the hook 310 and hole 328 are collectively another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing an instructor component 302 and student component 304 together.

B. Second Example

FIG. 4 discloses another embodiment of a student component 400 that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in place of student component 104. The student component 400 of FIG. 4 includes a substantially u-shaped first end 402 and a second end 404 disposed opposite the first end 402. The student component 400 further includes a tapped hole (not shown) in the first end 402 within which a thumbscrew 406 is at least partially disposed, and a hole 408 formed in the second end 404. The thumbscrew 406 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 400 to a portion of a student's ski equipment. The hole 408 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 400 to a corresponding instructor component.

The student component 400 is configured to removably attach to a portion of the student's equipment, such as to the heel unit of the student's skis. For instance, with combined reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. 4, the student component 400 can be removably attached to the upper heel housing 139 of heel unit 134 by positioning the rearward end of the upper heel housing 139 within the u-shaped opening of the first end 402 of the student component 400 such that the bottom end of the thumbscrew 406 is located substantially above the depression 139A. The thumbscrew 406 can then be screwed in to engage the depression 139A and thereby temporarily secure the student component 400 to the heel unit 134 for use with an instructor component, such as instructor components 102, 302 of FIGS. 1A and 3. As another example, the student component 400 can alternately or additionally be removably attached to the rearward end of the upper heel housing 209A of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the u-shaped first end 402 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component 400 to a portion of a student's ski or snowboard equipment. Further, the thumbscrew 406 together with the first end 402 of the student component 400 forms a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the student component 400 to, e.g., the upper heel housing 139 or 209A of FIG. 1C or 2.

C. Third Example

FIGS. 5A and 5B disclose yet another embodiment of a student component 500 that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in place of student component 104. In contrast to the student components 104, 304, 400 described above, which are generally configured for removably attaching to ski equipment, the student component 500 of FIG. 5 is configured for removably attaching to snowboard equipment. Specifically, the student component 500 is configured to be removably attached to the end of a snowboard 502 (FIG. 5B).

In the illustrated embodiment, the student component 500 includes a substantially u-shaped portion 504 and a tongue or tab 506 attached to the u-shaped portion 504. The u-shaped portion 504 includes two arms 508 connected by a base 510. A substantially u-shaped channel 512 is formed along the interior of the u-shaped portion 504, the channel 512 being configured to receive a perimeter portion of an end of the snowboard 502. After positioning the perimeter portion of the end of the snowboard 502 within the channel 512, thumbscrews 514 disposed within tapped holes (not shown in FIG. 5A or 5B) formed in the u-shaped portion 504 are screwed in to removably secure the student component 500 to the snowboard 502. Accordingly, the u-shaped portion 504 is an example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component 500 to a portion of a student's snowboard equipment, while the thumbscrews 514 are an example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 500 to a portion of a student's snowboard equipment. Further, the thumbscrews 514 together with the u-shaped portion 504 of the student component 500 form a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the student component 500 to, e.g., the snowboard 502 of FIG. 5B.

The tongue or tab 506 of student component 500 defines a hole 516 for removably receiving a corresponding hook, such as the hook 126 (FIG. 1A), on an instructor component attached to an instructor's pole. The hook can be inserted through the hole 516 to permit the instructor to control the direction and edging of the student's snowboard 502. The hole 516 defined in the second end 506 of student component 500 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 500 to a corresponding instructor component.

D. Fourth Example

FIGS. 6A and 6B disclose yet another embodiment of a student component 600 that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus of FIG. 1A in place of student component 104, the student component 600 being configured to removably attach to a student's ski. The student component 600 includes a first barrel 602, a second barrel 604, first clamp member 606, 610, second clamp member 608, 612, threaded fastener 614, and tongue or tab 615.

The first barrel 602 includes opposing first and second ends 616, 618 with a hollow interior 620 (FIG. 6B) extending therebetween. The hollow interior 620 defines a longitudinal axis 621 (FIG. 6B). When the student component 600 is removably attached to a student's ski, the longitudinal axis 620 is arranged substantially normal to a length of the student's ski according to some embodiments.

The second barrel 604 includes opposing first and second ends 622 (FIG. 6B), 624 with a tapped hole 626 (FIG. 6B) extending at least partially from the first end 622 towards the second end 624. The second barrel 604 is slidably received within the hollow interior 620 of the first barrel 602. The tapped hole 626 of the second barrel 604 is configured to receive and threadably engage a threaded end 628 of the threaded fastener 614.

The threaded fastener 614 is configured to adjustably secure the second barrel 604 within the hollow interior 620 of the first barrel 602. To this end, the threaded end 628 of threaded fastener 614 is configured to be inserted from the first end 616 of first barrel 602 through the hollow interior 620 of the first barrel 602 and into the tapped hole 626 of the second barrel 604, whereupon external threads of the threaded end 628 engage corresponding internal threads of the tapped hole 626. The threaded fastener 614 includes a head 630 that engages a shoulder 632 formed in the hollow interior 620 of the first barrel 602. It will be appreciated, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that after engaging the second barrel 604, the threaded fastener 614 can be screwed in or out to draw the second barrel 604 further into or out of the hollow interior 620 of the first barrel 602.

The first clamp member 606, 610 includes a first foot 610 attached to and separated from the first end 616 of the first barrel 602 by a first leg 606. Analogously, the second clamp member 608, 612 includes a second foot 612 attached to and separated from the second end 624 of the second barrel 604 by a second leg 608. The first foot 610 extends from the first leg 606 towards the second foot 612 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 621. The second foot 612 similarly extends from the second leg 608 towards the first foot 610 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 621. The first and second barrels 602, 604, first clamp member 606, 610, second clamp member 608, 612 and threaded fastener 614 define an adjustable aperture 634 configured to accommodate a student's ski. The adjustability of the aperture 634 permits the student component 600 to be removably attached to student skis having a wide range of widths. Moreover, the first barrel 602, second barrel 604, first and second legs 606, 608, first and second feet 610, 612 and threaded fastener 614 are collectively another example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component 600 to a portion of a student' ski. Further, the first barrel 602, second barrel 604, first clamp member 606, 610, second clamp member 608, 612 and threaded fastener 614 form a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the student component 600 to a student's ski.

The tongue 615 defines a hole 636 formed therein for removably receiving a corresponding hook, such as the hook 126 of FIG. 1A, on an instructor component attached to an instructor's pole. The hook can be inserted through the hole 636 to permit the instructor to control the direction and edging of the student's ski. The hole 636 is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component 600 to a corresponding instructor component.

It will be appreciated, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1A-6B are not mutually exclusively and can be combined in a number of ways that fall within the scope of the claims. For example, rather than including a hole 148, 408, 516, 636 that is substantially circular, each of student components 104, 400, 500, 600 of FIGS. 1A and 4-6B can instead implement a hole with a specialized shape, such as the hole 328 of FIG. 3, such that the student components 104, 400, 500, 600 can be used with the instructor component 302 of FIG. 3. Alternately or additionally, instructor component 102 or 302 can be implemented with either of student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600 in an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski or snowboard.

E. Fifth Example

FIGS. 7A-7C disclose yet another embodiment of an instructor component 700 that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus of FIG. 1A in place of instructor component 102. Alternately or additionally, the instructor component 700 can be implemented individually without a corresponding student component as will be described in greater detail below.

Generally, the instructor component 700 includes a first end 702 defining a cavity 704 configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole and the instructor component 700 is configured to be removably secured to the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole. The instructor component 700 additionally includes a second end 706 disposed opposite the first end 702. The second end 706 is configured to removably secure the instructor component 700 directly to a student's ski or snowboard equipment or indirectly to the student's ski or snowboard equipment through a student component.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 702 includes a sleeve 708 having a substantially cylindrical exterior surface 708A and a substantially frustoconical interior surface 708B (FIG. 7C). The sleeve 708 has one or more (in this case, two) lengthwise splits 710A, 710B. In the example of FIGS. 7A-7C, the splits 710A, 710B are radially offset from each other by about 180 degrees such that the sleeve 708 includes opposing first and second portions 712A, 712B.

Two tabs 714A, 714B and 716A, 716B (FIGS. 7A-7B) are formed on opposite edges of each of the first and second portions 712A, 712B near a corresponding lengthwise split. In particular, first tab 714A is formed on an edge of the first portion 712A near the lengthwise split 710A, and second tab 714B is formed on an opposite edge of the first portion 712A near the lengthwise split 712B. Similarly, third tab 716A is formed on an edge of the second portion 712B near the lengthwise split 710A, and fourth tab 716B is formed on an opposite edge of the second portion 712B near the lengthwise split 710B. The third and fourth tabs 716A, 716B are respectively separated from the first and second tabs 714A, 714B by an adjustable distance d (FIG. 7C).

The instructor component 700 further includes one or more (in this case, two) thumbscrews 718A, 718B configured to adjust the distance d between the first and third tabs 714A, 716A, and one or more (in this case, two) thumbscrews 720A, 720B configured to adjust the distance d between the second and fourth tabs 714B, 716B. In particular, by screwing thumbscrews 718A, 718B, 720A, 720B in, the distance d is decreased and the opposing first and second portions 712A, 712B are brought closer together at least near the opening of the cavity 704 to removably secure the instructor component 700 to an instructor's pole by clamping the lower end of the pole between the opposing first and second portions 712A, 712B. Conversely, by screwing thumbscrews 718A, 718B, 720A, 720B out, the distance d is increased and the opposing first and second portions 712A, 712B are separated further apart to release the instructor component 700 from the instructor's pole by unclamping the lower end of the pole between the opposing first and second portions 712A, 712B.

Accordingly, the first, second, third and fourth tabs 714A, 714B, 716A, 716B together with the thumbscrews 718A, 718B, 720A, 720B and opposing first and second sides 712A, 712B form a clamping arrangement configured to removably attach the instructor component 700 to the bottom end of a pole.

Optionally the first end 702 further includes a plurality of inserts 722A, 722B (FIG. 7C) lining the interior of first end 702. The inserts 722A, 722B may include steel, stainless steel, thermoplastic polyurethanes (“TPU”), thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), or other suitable material(s). Alternately or additionally, the inserts 722A, 722B are embedded or retained in a body 724 of the first end 702. The body 724 may include ABS plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, polyoxymethylene (“POM”)—commonly known under DuPont's trade name “Delrin,” anodized aluminum, or other suitable material(s). In some embodiments, the body 724 is overmolded over the inserts 722A, 722B.

The second end of the instructor component 700 includes a hook 726. In some embodiments, the body 724 is overmolded over one end 728 of the hook 726, as best seen in FIG. 7C. The hook 726 may include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or other suitable material(s). The hook 726 generally functions in the same manner as the hooks 126, 310 disclosed above and will not be described in additional detail.

F. Sixth Example

FIGS. 8A-8D disclose yet another embodiment of a student component 800 that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in place of student component 104. The student component 800 is configured to removably attach to a student's ski or snowboard. FIGS. 8A-8D respectively illustrate an exploded front perspective view, a front elevation view, a rear perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of the student component 800.

With reference first to FIG. 8A, the student component 800 includes various components that form a clamping arrangement (not labeled) configured to removably secure the student component to a student's ski or snowboard equipment as will be described in greater detail below, and a tab 802 attached to the clamping arrangement.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a barrel 804, first and second clamp members 806, 808, and a width adjusting assembly 810. The width adjusting assembly 810 in some embodiments includes an adjustment screw 812, capture hub 814, and locking mechanism 816. The locking mechanism 816 in some embodiments includes a cam screw 818, a cam handle 820, a cam handle pin 822, a cam plate 824, and a core compression spring 826.

In more detail, the tab 802 defines a hole 802A configured to removably receive a hook of a corresponding instructor component.

The barrel 804 has opposing first and second ends 804A, 804B and defines a cavity 828 extending between the first and second ends 804A, 804B.

The adjustment screw 812 makes up a first end of the width adjusting assembly 810. The capture hub 814 makes up a second end of the width adjusting assembly 810. As can be seen with combined reference to FIGS. 8A-8D, after assembly of the student component 800, the width adjusting assembly 810 is partially disposed within the cavity 828 of barrel 804, with a portion of the adjustment screw 812 making up the first end of the width adjusting assembly 810 extending beyond the first end 804A of the barrel 804, and a portion of the capture hub 814 making up the second end of the width adjusting assembly 810 extending beyond the second end 804B of the barrel 804.

In some embodiments, the barrel 804 and capture hub 814 are keyed to prevent the capture hub 814 from rotating within the cavity 828 of barrel 804. In particular, the barrel 804 may include, for example, a ridge or protrusion 830 extending into the cavity 828, and the capture hub 814 may include a corresponding channel (not shown) configured to receive the ridge or protrusion 830. In some embodiments, the configuration of the ridge or protrusion 830 of the barrel 804 and the corresponding channel of the capture hub 814 substantially prevent rotational movement of the capture hub 814 within the cavity 828 while allowing axial movement of the capture hub 814 within the cavity 828.

The first clamp member 806 is connected to the first end 804A of the barrel 804. The first clamp member 806 may be integrally formed with the barrel 804 or separately attached to the barrel 804 as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C. In particular, the first clamp member 806 may be attached to the barrel 804 using one or more screws 832 that threadably engage corresponding tapped holes in the first end 804A of the barrel 804.

The second clamp member 808 is connected to the capture hub 814. Analogous to the first clamp member 806, the second clamp member 808 may be integrally formed with the capture hub 814 or separately attached to the capture hub 814 as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C. In particular, the second clamp member 808 may be attached to the capture hub 814 using one or more screws 834 that threadably engage one or more corresponding tapped holes 836 in the capture hub 814.

As best seen in FIG. 8B, the barrel 804, width adjusting assembly 810 (FIG. 8A) and first and second clamp members 806, 808 define an adjustable aperture 838, denoted in FIG. 8B with a dotted line. The aperture 838 is configured to accommodate a student's ski or snowboard. The adjustable nature of aperture 838 permits the student component 800 to accommodate within aperture 838 skis and/or snowboards having widths within a predetermined range of widths. In particular, a width w of the aperture 838 can be adjusted between a minimum width (not shown) and a maximum width (not shown) to accommodate virtually any ski or snowboard having a width between w_(min) and w_(max), provided a thickness of the ski or snowboard does not exceed a maximum height h_(max) of the aperture 838.

Optionally, each of the first and second clamp members 806, 808 includes a multi-part construction including, for instance, metal or other hard liners overmolded with plastic. In particular, the hard liners may be exposed to the aperture 838 so as to protect the overmolded plastic from the metal edges of a ski or snowboard to which the student component 800 is attached. The first and second clamp members 806, 808 may include one or more of anodized aluminum, steel, stainless steel, POM (AKA Delrin), TPU, TPE, or other suitable material(s).

Additional details regarding aspects of the width adjusting assembly 810 will now be disclosed. The adjustment screw 812 of width adjusting assembly 810 includes a knob 840 and a threaded coupling nut 842. The threaded coupling nut 842 is configured to be retained within the knob 840.

The capture hub 814 of the width adjusting assembly 810 defines a cavity (FIG. 8D) allowing the cam screw 818 to extend through the capture hub 814 from one end of the capture hub 814 to the other.

The locking mechanism 816 including cam screw 818 is partially disposed within the cavity defined by the capture hub 814.

The cam screw 818 of the locking mechanism 816 is configured to threadably engage the threaded coupling nut 842 of adjustment screw 812. By rotating the adjustment screw—and thus the threaded coupling nut 842—relative to the cam screw 818, the width w of the aperture 838 can be adjusted between w_(min) and w_(max). As will be explained in greater detail below, operation of the locking mechanism 816 is configured to releasably lock the width if the aperture 838.

As best seen in FIG. 8A, the cam screw 818 includes a threaded first end 818A and a second end 818B opposing the first end 818A. The first end 818A is configured to threadably engage the threaded coupling nut 842. The second end 818B of cam screw 818 defines a hole 844.

The cam handle 820 of locking mechanism 816 includes a cam lobe 846 defining a hole 848. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, a distance from the hole 848 to an edge of the cam lobe 846 varies between a minimum distance extending from the hole 848 to point 850 and a maximum distance extending from the hole 848 to point 852. Optionally, the cam handle 820 further includes a tab 853 (FIG. 8A) that can be easily grasped by the student or instructor—who may be wearing gloves—when adjusting the student component 800.

When the cam screw 818 and cam handle 820 are assembled together, the holes 844, 848 are aligned and the cam handle pin 822 of locking mechanism 816 is received through holes 844, 848 to maintain axial alignment of the holes 844, 848 and rotatably secure the cam handle 820 to the cam screw 818.

Cam plate 824 defines a hole 854 through which the cam screw 818 passes. As best seen in FIG. 8D, the cam plate 824 is disposed adjacent to the cam lobe 846 and against an exterior of flange 856 of the capture hub 814. The cam plate 824 is configured to provide a hard surface against which the cam lobe 846 of cam handle 820 moves to prevent movement of the cam lobe 846 from damaging the capture hub 814, while permitting the capture hub 814 to be made from a softer and cheaper material. For example, the cam plate 824, cam handle 820 and capture hub 814 may include one or more of steel, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, POM (AKA Delrin), ABS plastic, or other suitable material(s).

With continued reference to FIG. 8D, the core compression spring 826 surrounds a portion of the cam screw 818 and includes opposing first and second ends 858, 860. The first end 858 is configured to contact and urge against a flange 862 of the barrel 804 while the second end 860 is configured to contact and urge against an interior of the flange 856 of capture hub 814. Accordingly, the core compression spring 826 is configured to bias the first end of the width adjusting assembly 810 including adjustment screw 840 away from the second end of the width adjusting assembly 810 including capture hub 814.

The locking mechanism 816 can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the point 852 on the edge of the cam lobe 846 is positioned adjacent to the cam plate 824. In the unlocked position, the point 850 on the edge of the cam lobe 846 is positioned adjacent to the cam plate 824. In the locked position, the distance between the hole 848 of cam lobe 846 and the edge of the cam lobe is the maximum distance, while in the unlocked position, the distance between the hole 848 of cam lobe 846 and the edge of cam lobe is the minimum distance.

To secure the student component to a ski or snowboard, the student component 800 is positioned relative to the ski or snowboard such that the student component 800 generally straddles the ski or snowboard, with much of the student component 800 resting on a top surface of the ski or snowboard. The clamp members 806, 808 extend down the sides of the ski or snowboard, with feet 864, 866 (FIG. 8D) of clamp members 806, 808 wrapping beneath a bottom surface of the ski or snowboard.

According to some embodiments, the width w of the aperture 848 (FIG. 8B) may then be adjusted with the locking mechanism 816 unlocked by rotating the adjustment screw 840, thereby adjusting the depth to which the cam screw 818 is received within threaded coupling nut 842. The width w may be adjusted to be about equal to a width of the ski or snowboard to which the student component 800 will be attached.

The cam handle 820 is then rotated about the axis defined by cam handle pin 822 (FIG. 8A) to the locked position. Movement of the cam handle 820 from the unlocked to the locked position increases the clamping force exerted by the first and second clamp members on the ski or snowboarded positioned within the aperture 838 and releasably locks the width w of the aperture 838.

FIG. 10 depicts another example student component according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts another example instructor component according to some embodiments.

III. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

As already explained above, embodiments of the instructor component 102, 302, 700 and/or student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 permit an instructor to control the direction and edging of a student's ski or snowboard. As such, the instructor can show the student proper ski or snowboard techniques for turning, stopping, etc., by applying the appropriate forces. In this manner, the student can feel exactly how the student's skis or snowboard should be maneuvered to perform the techniques. Further, the length of the instructor's pole permits the instructor to demonstrate the proper techniques to the student without the instructor being forced to crouch over, even if the student is physically small in stature compared to the instructor.

Alternately or additionally, embodiments of the instructor component 102, 302, 700 and/or student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 permit the student to ski or snowboard substantially under his/her own control without assistance from the instructor if the instructor drops the poles and lets them drag behind the student, or if the instructor completely detaches the poles from the student. Alternately or additionally, embodiments of the instructor component 102, 302, 700 and/or student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 permit the instructor to push the student through lift lines using the poles all the way to the loading platform before quickly detaching the poles from the student, or to push the student across flat areas or uphill areas.

The instructor components 102, 302, 700 and/or student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 can be made from any of a variety of materials. For example, the instructor components 102, 302, 700 and/or student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 can be made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, ABS plastic, zinc-based alloys, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other suitable material(s). Alternately or additionally, the instructor components 102, 302, 700 and/or student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 may be made from a combination of two or more of the foregoing materials and/or other suitable materials. For instance, the instructor components 102, 302, 700 and/or student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 may be made from composite materials such as injected plastic reinforced with steel.

Some embodiments of the invention include systems made up of an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski, such as the apparatus 100 or 300, and a tip connector device for keeping a student's ski tips together to help the student maintain balance, control wedge position and/or eliminate the spreading or crossing of the ski tips while skiing. Tip connector devices for keeping a student's ski tips together include devices marketed under the Edgie Wedgie® trademark, as well as various devices marketed by the Lucky Bums company under the names “Easy Wedge” and “Tip Clip Ski Tip Connector”. Generally, such tip connector devices include a connecting member, such as a cable, rope, strap, wire, or the like, with first and second ski tip fasteners coupled to first and second ends of the connecting member. The ski tip fasteners connect to the student's ski tips such that the connecting member substantially prevents the ski tips from spreading apart from or crossing each other. A connecting member with first and second ski tip fasteners coupled to first and second ends of the connecting member are collectively an example of a structural implementation of a means for holding tips of a student's skis together.

The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to apparatuses having an instructor component 102, 302, 700 in combination with a corresponding student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800, but also extend to instructor components 102, 302, 700 and student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 individually. According to some embodiments, an instructor component 102, 302, 700 for use by an instructor in teaching a student how to ski or snowboard generally includes a first end defining a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole; a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end being configured to removably secure the instructor component to a student's ski or snowboard equipment; and a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the instructor component to the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole.

The instructor component 102, 302, 700 can be removably secured to the student's ski equipment through a student component, such as student components 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 or directly to the student's ski or snowboard equipment. As such, the second end of the instructor component 102, 302, 700 can include, e.g., a hook, hole, ball or socket for engaging a corresponding hole, hook, socket or ball formed in a student component removably attached to the student's ski or snowboard equipment.

Alternately, the second end of the instructor component 102, 302, 700 can include, e.g., a hook, hole, ball, socket, suction cup, hook or loop material, strap(s), or buckle(s) for engaging a corresponding hole, hook, socket, ball, surface, loop or hook material, strap(s), or buckle(s) formed or included in the student's ski or snowboard equipment.

For example, FIGS. 9A and 9B disclose, respectively, a ski 902 and a snowboard 904, each defining a hole 906, 908 formed in a rearward end of the ski 902 or snowboard 904. Generically, the ski 902 or snowboard 904 may be referred to herein as an elongate snow apparatus configured to support a user on snow. In these and other examples, an instructor component, such as instructor component 102, 302, 700, can be removably secured to the ski 902 or snowboard 904 by inserting the hook 126, 310, 726 into the hole 906 or 908. Alternately, the ski 902 or snowboard 904 can include a hook, socket or ball formed therein for being engaged by a corresponding hole, ball or socket formed in the second end of the instructor component. Alternately or additionally, a hook, hole, ball or socket formed in the second end of the instructor component can engage a hole, hook, socket or ball formed in a corresponding ski binding assembly mounted on the ski 902, or in a ski boot, or in a corresponding snowboard binding mounted on the snowboard 904, or in a snowboard boot, or the like or any combination thereof.

FIGS. 9C and 9D respectively illustrate alternative embodiments of a ski 910, and snowboard 912. Each of the ski 910 and snowboard 912 includes a hook-receiving tab 914, 916, respectively. Each of the hook-receiving tabs 914, 916 respectively defines a hole 918, 920. In these and other examples, an instructor component, such as instructor component 102, 302, can be removably secured to the ski 910 or snowboard 912 by inserting the hook 126, 310 into the hole 918 or 920. Accordingly, some examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, permit an instructor component to be used without a corresponding student component.

Alternately or additionally, some embodiments include a student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 for use by a student in learning how to ski or snowboard. According to these and other embodiments, the student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 generally includes a clamping arrangement configured to removably attach the student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 to a student's ski or snowboard equipment, and a tab or tongue attached to the clamping arrangement, the tab configured to removably secure the student component 104, 304, 400, 500, 600, 800 to a corresponding instructor component 102, 302, 700, the instructor component 102, 302, 700 being removably secured to a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole.

The clamping arrangement can include, for instance, one or more thumbscrews together with a substantially u-shaped first end configured to clamp a student's ski, ski binding assembly, ski boot, or snowboard, such as thumbscrews 144, 146, 326, 406, 514 and first ends 128, 316, 402, 504 of the student components 104, 304, 400, 500 disclosed above. Alternately or additionally, the clamping arrangement can include, for example, the first and second barrels 602, 604, first clamp member 606, 610, second clamp member 608, 612 and threaded fastener 630 of the student component 600. Alternately or additionally, the clamping arrangement can include, for example, the barrel 804, width adjusting assembly 810, and first and second clamp members 806, 808 of the student component 800.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. An apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard, the apparatus comprising: a removably attachable instructor component having: a first end defining a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole, the first end configured to be removably secured to the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole; and a second end disposed opposite the first end; and a removably attachable student component, wherein the student component is configured to be: removably secured to a student's ski or snowboard equipment; and removably secured to the second end of the instructor component.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the instructor component comprises a hook and the student component includes a tab defining a hole configured to removably receive the hook.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the instructor component defines a hole and the student component includes a hook, the hole being configured to removably receive the hook.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the student's ski or snowboard equipment includes a ski and a ski binding assembly attached to the ski or a snowboard and one or more snowboard bindings attached to the snowboard, further wherein the student component is attachable to and removable from the student's ski or snowboard equipment without removing any portion of the ski binding assembly from the ski or the one or more snowboard bindings from the snowboard.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructor component comprises at least one of: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, ABS plastic, zinc-based alloy, fiberglass, carbon fiber, thermoplastic polyurethanes (“TPU”), thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), or polyoxymethylene.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the student component comprises at least one of: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, ABS plastic, zinc-based alloy, fiberglass, carbon fiber, thermoplastic polyurethanes (“TPU”), thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), or polyoxymethylene.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity defined by the first end of the instructor component has a longitudinal axis and the instructor component further comprises at least one thumbscrew at least partially disposed within a sleeve of the first end of the instructor component and arranged substantially normal to the longitudinal axis.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the student's ski or snowboard equipment to which the student component is attached comprises a ski, a binding plate or spacer, a heel unit, a ski boot, or a snowboard.
 9. A system for teaching a student how to ski, the system comprising: the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the student's ski or snowboard equipment includes two skis; and a tip connector device configured to hold tips of the student's skis together.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the tip connector device comprises a connecting member with first and second ski tip fasteners coupled to first and second ends of the connecting member, the first and second ski tip fasteners being removably attachable to the tips of the student's skis.
 11. An instructor component for use by an instructor in teaching a student how to ski or snowboard, the instructor component comprising: a first end defining a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole; a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end configured to removably secure the instructor component to a student's ski or snowboard equipment; and a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the instructor component to the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole.
 12. The instructor component of claim 11, wherein the second end comprises a hook, the hook being configured to engage a hole defined in a student component removably attached to the student's ski or snowboard equipment.
 13. The instructor component of claim 11, wherein: the first end includes a sleeve having two lengthwise splits radially offset from each other by about 180 degrees such that the sleeve includes opposing first and second portions; and the clamping arrangement includes: first and second tabs formed on opposite edges of the first portion of the sleeve adjacent to the two lengthwise splits; third and fourth tabs formed on opposite edges of the second portion of the sleeve adjacent to the two lengthwise splits and respectively separated from the first and second tabs by an adjustable distance; and first and second thumbscrews configured to respectively adjust the distance between the first and third tabs and between the second and fourth tabs, thereby adjusting a distance between the opposing first and second portions so as to removably clamp the first end onto the bottom end of the instructor's ski pole.
 14. The instructor component of claim 11, wherein the second end comprises: a hook configured to engage a hole defined in a student's ski or snowboard; or a suction cup, the suction cup being configured to engage a surface of the student's ski or snowboard equipment.
 15. A student component for use by a student in learning how to ski or snowboard, the student component comprising: a clamping arrangement configured to removably secure the student component to a student's ski or snowboard equipment; and a tab attached to the clamping arrangement, the tab configured to removably secure the student component to a corresponding instructor component, the instructor component configured to be removably secured to a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole.
 16. The student component of claim 15, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises: a barrel having opposing first and second ends and defining a cavity extending between the first and second ends; a width adjusting assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity, the width adjusting assembly having a first end extending beyond the first end of the barrel and a second end extending beyond the second end of the barrel; a first clamp member attached to the first end of the barrel; and a second clamp member attached to the second end of the width adjusting assembly; wherein the barrel, width adjusting assembly, and first and second clamp members define an adjustable aperture configured to accommodate a student's ski or snowboard.
 17. The student component of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second clamp members include a hard liner exposed to the aperture and configured to protect other portions of the first and second clamp members from being damaged by metal edges of the student's ski or snowboard.
 18. The student component of claim 16, wherein the width adjusting assembly includes: an adjustment screw including a knob and a threaded coupling nut, the adjustment screw forming the first end of the width adjusting assembly; a capture hub defining a cavity, the capture hub forming the second end of the width adjusting assembly; and a locking mechanism partially disposed within the cavity of the capture hub and including a cam screw configured to threadably engage the threaded coupling nut; wherein rotation of the adjustment screw relative to the cam screw adjusts a width of the adjustable aperture and operation of the locking mechanism releasably locks the width of the adjustable aperture.
 19. The student component of claim 18, wherein the cam screw is disposed within the cavity defined by the capture hub, the cam screw including a threaded first end configured to threadably engage the threaded coupling nut and a second end opposing the first end, the second end defining a first hole, and wherein the locking mechanism further includes: a cam handle including a cam lobe defining a second hole, a distance from the second hole to an edge of the cam lobe varying between a maximum and minimum distance along the edge of the cam lobe; a cam handle pin disposed in the first and second holes so as to axially align the first and second holes and rotatably secure the cam handle to the cam screw; a cam plate defining a third hole through which the cam screw passes, the cam plate being disposed adjacent to the cam lobe; a core compression spring surrounding a portion of the cam screw, wherein a first end of the core compression spring is configured to contact the adjustment screw and a second end of the core compression spring opposing the first end is configured to contact the capture hub such that the core compression spring is configured to bias the first and second ends of the width adjusting assembly away from each other.
 20. The student component of claim 19, wherein the cam handle includes a tab configured to be grasped by the student or instructor when unlocking the locking mechanism.
 21. An elongate snow apparatus configured to support a user on snow, the elongate snow apparatus comprising: a rearward end including a first connector configured to be engaged by a second connector attached to a pole such that an instructor can manipulate the pole to control the elongate snow apparatus when the elongate snow apparatus is in use by the user.
 22. The elongate snow apparatus of claim 21, wherein the elongate snow apparatus comprises a snow ski or a snowboard.
 23. The elongate snow apparatus of claim 21, wherein: the first connector includes one or more of a hole defined in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus, a hook included in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus, a socket included in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus, a ball included in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus, loop or hook material included in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus, a strap included in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus, or a buckle included in the rearward end of the elongate snow apparatus; and the second connector includes one or more of a hook configured to engage a hole included in the first connector, a hole configured to engage a hook included in the first connector, a ball configured to engage a socket included in the first connector, a socket configured to engage a ball included in the first connector, hook or loop material configured to engage loop or hook material included in the first connector, a strap configured to engage a strap included in the first connector, or a buckle configured to engage a complementary buckle included in the first connector.
 24. A system for teaching a student to ski or snowboard, the system comprising: the elongate snow apparatus of claim 21; and the second connector, the second connector being configured to be removably attached to the pole 